40 Dayz & 40 Nightz [PA] (CD - 1998)

Personnel includes: Xzibit, Method Man, Jayo Felony, Tha Alkaholiks, Ras Kass, Saafir, Montageone, King T, Budda (rap vocals); E-Swift, Thayod Ausar (programming).

Producers include: Soopafly, Jesse West, Bud'da, E-Swift, A Kid Called Roots.

Engineers: Richard "Segal" Huredia, Trini Alvarez, Dave Aaron.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

The dysfunctional member of the Likwit Crew once again re-emerged to lyrically decapitate fake MCs. Xzibit's verbal asperity and rough, blunted diction is unmistakable. The sophomore jinx is null and void as Xzibit rips line after line over a grab bag of sizzling tracks. Sir Jinx and Xzibit combine production duties on the haunting "Torture Chamber," which incorporates elements of Ice Cube's "When Will They Shoot." The propensity at which Rass Kass, Saafir, and Xzibit drop bombs over "3 Card Molly" is sick, with each flipping an exceptional verse. Another gem is the marvelously crafted, Jesse West-produced "What U See Is What U Get" in which Xzibit touches all bases over a fluctuating piano and synthesizer track. On "Handle Your Business," Xzibit and Defari coalesce to show and prove for Cali over an expansive well-constructed track from DJ Pen One. In addition, Xzibit gives you a survival guide for the City of Angels with "Los Angeles Times." When the Likwit Crew convenes on a cut, the results are usually splendid, and "Let It Rain" is no exemption to that rule. The Liks, King T, and Xzibit drench this E-Swift track, with Tash shining in grand fashion. A newcomer to the Likwit family, Montageone touches down on the flame-broiled "Recycled Assassins." Also, Xzibit brings the heat in ridiculous ways on "Focus" and "Deeper." 40 Dayz and 40 Nightz is sure to whet your appetite with a nonstop accumulation of lyrics and a prolific variety of production. ~ Matt Conaway

For the uninitiated Xzibit is the dysfunctional member of the Likwit crew, comprised of Tha Alkaholiks, Rass Kass, and Safir. And for those who slept, he is also one of the rawest rappers out there. 40 DAYZ AND 40 NIGHTZ is a testament to this mc's lyrical prowess. Aided on the production tip by Sir Jinx (who produced some of Ice Cube's earlier joints) and Butta (Westside Connection's "Bow Down"), this is one of the best summer albums of 1998. minimize